PEACEPLUS ASPIRE Latest News

Five adults standing together in a classroom with educational posters on the walls behind them.

Observation of Philosophy for Children Session Held

24 April 2026

Following on from the workshops on Plato in Trainers: Raising Thinkers in the Modern World, Developing Critical Thinking Skills delivered by Kevin McArevey, Principal of Holy Cross Boys’ School, attendees were invited to observe a live Philosophy session in practice with a Primary 7 class at the school.

Instructor presenting a colourful educational poster to a group of attentive children seated in a classroom setting.

Primary pupils come together for a day of creativity and sport

16 April 2026

Richmond Primary School, St Malachy’s Primary School, Glencull, and St Mary’s Primary School, Ballygawley recently came together for an exciting Shared Education programme, offering pupils a day of creativity, physical activity and collaboration.

Two schoolchildren in uniforms holding shoeboxes filled with craft supplies inside a classroom with colourful student portraits on the walls.

Schools Celebrate Creativity and Connection at Parents’ Assembly

16 April 2026

Carrick Primary School and St Francis Primary School, Lurgan came together this week to host a joint parents’ assembly, showcasing the creative work produced by pupils as part of their PEACEPLUS ASPIRE Shared Education programme.

A group of children and an adult standing in a gymnasium, raising their hands while other kids sit on the floor watching.

Armagh Schools Unite for Viking-Themed Shared Education Project

3 April 2026

Pupils from Saints & Scholars Integrated Primary School and St Malachy’s Primary School in Armagh have immersed themselves in Viking history through their PEACEPLUS ASPIRE partnership, collaborating in creative drama and music activities that bring the Viking era to life and foster meaningful connections between the two school communities.

Audience watching a panel discussion with a large screen displaying a QR code for submitting questions.

GCSE History Students Explore Oral History at Ulster Museum

3 April 2026

GCSE History students from eight Shared Education partnerships recently took part in an inspiring and interactive learning programme at the Ulster Museum.

Group of students and teachers standing in a spacious indoor courtyard with checkered floor tiles and brick walls.

Professor Deirdre Heenan Inspires Students at PEACEPLUS ASPIRE Partnership Event

3 April 2026

Post-Primary pupils from Banbridge Academy, Our Lady’s Grammar School, Newry, and Abbey Christian Brothers’ Grammar School recently came together for a unique event featuring acclaimed academic and commentator Professor Deirdre Heenan.

Students compete in a robotics challenge with two teams controlling robots on a marked field with colorful balls.

PEACEPLUS Shared Education Partnership Celebrate Success in FIRST® Tech Challenge UK

3 April 2026

Students from Coláiste Feirste, Malone Integrated College, St Mary’s Christian Brothers’ Grammar School, and Methodist College Belfast proudly represented their PEACEPLUS Shared Education Partnership as they took part in the internationally renowned FIRST® Tech Challenge, one of the world’s largest and most prestigious robotics competitions.

Group of children and teenagers posing together outside a school building under a cloudy sky.

Bangor Schools Forge Inclusive Friendships and Gain New Skills

3 April 2026

Pupils from Kilcooley Primary School and Clifton School in Bangor have been embracing teamwork, diversity, new learning opportunities and building lasting friendships through the PEACEPLUS ASPIRE Project.

Child in a blue outfit and yellow boots sitting atop a wooden triangular structure, looking through binoculars near a chain-link fence.

Outdoor Pre-school Session Fostering Inclusion and Friendship

1 April 2026

Barnesmore Montessori and Donegal Playgroup spent a shared session almost entirely outdoors where children of all abilities and multiple cultures participated. The intentionally prepared garden created a space where everyone could connect. The children communicated through the universal language of play.

Students in formal attire seated in a large, historic courtroom with tall arched windows letting in natural light.

Students Explore Derry-Londonderry’s History

1 April 2026

Post-Primary pupils from St Columba’s College Stranorlar and Strabane Academy recently travelled to Derry - Londonderry, where they took part in a guided tour of Guildhall and the Tower Museum.

Man in a blazer playing a saxophone indoors while children in red shirts sit on the floor watching.

Children, Parents and Communities Celebrate Culture and Music Together

1 April 2026

Recently children from Millburn Community Playgroup and Playhouse Activity Centre came together to celebrate culture, music and creativity - with parents playing a central role in the experience.

Seven people standing in a row inside a gymnasium with a stage and blue curtains behind them.

A Knockout Celebration: Carl Frampton Inspires Pupils

1 April 2026

Two-time world boxing champion Carl Frampton made a memorable appearance at a celebration event, presenting certificates to pupils from Bunscoil Bheann Mhadagáin and Cliftonville Integrated Primary School, who successfully completed their partnership activity for the PEACEPLUS ASPIRE Shared Education project.

Group of adults and children wearing winter coats and safety vests gathered indoors, holding flyers and certificates near framed artwork on display.

Bright Beginnings and Dun Dealgan Celebrate Culture and Community Through Cookbook Project

20 March 2026

In an inspiring display of teamwork and creativity, the children from Bright Beginnings and Dun Dealgan have produced a cookbook that celebrates their diverse cultures and has made a meaningful contribution to their local community.

Children in school uniforms participating in a group activity inside a gymnasium with colourful hoops and cones.

Two Belfast schools combine Shared Education with community involvement

19 March 2026

Nettlefield Primary School and St Matthew’s Primary School have participated in Shared Education in a variety of ways for many years - and have long served as pillars within their respective communities.

Children and adults outdoors holding a colorful parachute with balls bouncing above it on a grassy field surrounded by trees.

Co. Down schools celebrate partnership with creative activities

18 March 2026

Pupils from Sacred Heart Primary School, in Dundrum, and Knockevin School, in Downpatrick, have come together for a variety of collaborative activities, ranging from sculpting woodland animals to exchanging festive cards.

Large group of students and adults posing on a red carpeted stage with awards and floral arrangements in front.

Belfast students reopen inter schools peace capsule after 25 years

18 March 2026

Nineteen Belfast post‑primary schools came together on Thursday, 5th March, 2026, at St Louise’s Comprehensive College to mark a powerful moment of reflection and renewal as they reopened a unique inter‑schools Peace Capsule that had been sealed in the year 2000.

Group of educators and facilitators gathered during a PEACEPLUS ASPIRE training programme. They are standing in front of a projector screen in a room in Ulster Museum. Projector displays the names James Greer, Billy McManus and Bronagh McConville with an image of them on stage.

‘Conflict, Memory and Meaning’ TPL course provides additional support in teaching the Troubles in classrooms

6 March 2026

The PEACEPLUS ASPIRE project delivered a two‑day professional learning course, Conflict, Memory and Meaning, at the Ulster Museum on 3rd and 4th March 2026.

Primary pupils attentively watching a teacher pointing at the whiteboard in a colourful classroom with large windows.

Pupils from two Ballymena schools unite for a day of Music, Sport and Art

27 February 2026

Primary seven pupils from St Mary’s PS, Greenlough, travelled to Gracehill PS for a jam-packed day of activity as part of their PEACEPLUS ASPIRE partnership. The day consisted of 3 sessions - tin whistle, sport and art.

Four boys sitting round a table writing on paper

Banbridge Partnership Celebrates Culture and Creativity using animation

27 February 2026

Ballydown Primary School and Bridge Integrated Primary School have collaborated on their innovative PEACEPLUS ASPIRE Shared Education project - to celebrate culture, heritage, and community using a variety of methods, including digital animation.

Three women standing indoors in front of a welcome banner at a school or community centre entrance.

PEACEPLUS ASPIRE supports SistersIN Leadership Programme through Job Shadow Day

26 February 2026

Earlier this month, as part of the SistersIN mentorship model, which pairs participants with successful female leaders across a broad range of sectors, mentee Beth Hutchinson enjoyed an inspiring Job Shadow Day with Stephanie Kenny-Quinn, Education Authority, gaining valuable insight into the community partnership work of PEACEPLUS ASPIRE in Lurgan.